Predators warned ‘Get Help’ or face getting caught

Police Scotland has warned sexual predators to get help or get caught ahead of Online Safety Act protections for children coming into force today.

- EMYLIE HOWIE

Officers are actively searching for adults in Renfrewshire using social media, apps and websites to view illegal sexual images of children, and using technology to contact kids.

The warning comes as Police Scotland's online child sexual abuse and exploitation unit revealed that, from April 2024 to July 2025, it carried out 863 investigations - resulting in 604 arrests - with steps taken to protect 815 kids.

Ahead of new laws now taking effect, which are aimed at keeping children safe online, the service is relaunching its 'Get Help or Get Caught' online child sexual abuse prevention campaign.

The Online Safety Act's new measures mean that tech companies must take proactive steps to protect children from illegal content and activity, including:

Child sexual abuse;

Controlling or coercive behaviour;

Extreme pornography and;